Protective wall molding fastener system

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System are comprised of protective wall molding, protective wall molding backing, a wall molding grove apparatus, a wall molding bending apparatus, and an adhesive means. The protective wall molding backing is comprised of thin long of polymeric strips. The protective wall molding backing provides the structural strength and stability not present in the protective wall molding. In addition, the protective wall molding backing provides a more suitable surface for the adhesive means to anchor the backing to both the molding and to the wall.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/646,334, filed on May 13, 2012. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/646,334 are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The field of the embodiments is generally construction and construction materials. More specifically, the field of the embodiments is wall finishing materials and finishing methods related to floor moldings and the attachment of the moldings to the wall.

BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The background related to the embodiments is related to the secure attachment of wall moldings to walls. Wall moldings are commonly affixed to the bottom of walls to provide a more finished look to the walls and to prevent dirt and other debris from working its way under the wallboard. Without the molding, the wallboard on the wall would leave a rough, unfinished gap between the bottom of the wall board and the floor. Moldings in commercial settings are commonly manufactured from polymeric materials so that they can withstand the significant physical abuse encountered in that setting. These moldings are commonly applied to the wall using two-faced tape or other similar means. Janitorial personnel routinely subject the molding to repeated harsh treatment from vacuums and other floor treatment equipment. Repeated bumping and scrapping from floor treatment equipment causes the molding to release from the wall. Repeatedly replacing loose wall moldings is a time-consuming and expensive maintenance task.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A summary of the construction and use of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System is provided herein. Embodiments of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System are comprised of protective wall molding, protective wall molding backing, a wall molding grove apparatus, a wall molding bending apparatus, and an adhesive means.

Embodiments of the wall molding are comprised of a thin long strip of polymeric wall molding material. The wall molding has formed at its base a curved radius. The curved radius gives the wall molding a finished appearance when applied to the wall. In the course of practicing the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System, the wall molding is scored with a cutting means in a molding groove apparatus. An adhesive means is applied to the back of the wall molding, and then protective wall molding backing is attached to the wall molding via an adhesive means. The wall molding backing is thin long polymeric material that provides structural support for the wall molding and provides a good adhesive surface for the adhesive means.

The base molding is scored with a cutting means in a molding groove apparatus. Then the adhesive means is applied to the scored wall molding. Then the combination of the adhesive means and the wall molding is bent into a straight and uniform bend with a molding bending apparatus.

To form an inside or outside corner, the combination of the wall molding and wall molding backing is placed inside the wall molding bending apparatus. The wall molding bending apparatus will allow the combination of the wall molding and the wall molding backing to be bent to a precise angle. Further, the wall molding bending apparatus is comprised of a bending surface with a beveled edge to accommodate the material in the vicinity of the bend. The wall molding bending apparatus bends the combination of the wall molding, adhesive means, and wall molding backing into a straight and uniform bend.

To anchor the wall molding to the wall, another application or layer of the adhesive means is applied to the exposed side of the wall molding backing. Then the combination of protective wall molding and protective wall molding backing is attached to the wall wherein the adhesive means adheres the combination of wall molding to a base surface on the wall.

In one embodiment, the adhesive means is liquid glue. In another embodiment, the adhesive means is a thin strip of adhesive backing covered by a paper protective cover so that when the paper protective cover is removed the adhesive backing adheres the base molding to the base surface.

In this respect, it is to be understood that the embodiments in this application are not limited to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the embodiments described in this application. Additional benefits and advantages of the present embodiments will become apparent in those skilled in the art to which the embodiments relate from the description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the embodiments of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the embodiments in any way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of embodiments of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System with the protective wall molding backing adhered to protective wall molding for an interior corner application.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of embodiments of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System for an interior corner application; the protective wall molding fastener cannot be seen from this view as it is in the rear side of the protective wall molding; FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System showing the protective wall molding backing adhered to the protective wall molding for an exterior corner application.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System showing an interior corner application; the protective wall molding fastener cannot be seen from this view as it is in the rear side of the protective wall molding.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System showing an exterior corner application the protective wall molding fastener cannot be seen from this view as it is in the rear side of the protective wall molding.

FIG. 5A is a front view of the protective wall molding backing element of an embodiment of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System; FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the protective wall molding backing element of an embodiment of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System; FIG. 5C is a side view of the protective wall molding backing element of an embodiment of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the protective wall molding backing element of an embodiment of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System.

FIG. 7A is a top view of a long embodiment of the protective wall molding backing element of an embodiment of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System; FIG. 7B is a top view of a long embodiment of the protective wall molding backing element of an embodiment of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a long embodiment of the protective wall molding backing element of an embodiment of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System.

FIG. 9A is a top view of an embodiment of the molding groove apparatus to properly bend the protective wall molding for both an interior and exterior corner; FIG. 9B is a front view of an embodiment of the molding groove apparatus to properly bend the protective wall molding for both an interior and exterior corner; FIG. 9C is a side view of an embodiment of the molding groove apparatus to properly bend the protective wall molding for both an interior and exterior corner.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the molding groove apparatus to properly bend the protective wall molding for both an interior and exterior corner.

FIG. 11A is a front view of another embodiment of an apparatus to bend the protective wall molding for both an interior and exterior corner applications; FIG. 11B is a bottom view of another embodiment of an apparatus to bend the protective wall molding for both an interior and exterior corner applications; FIG. 11C is a side view of another embodiment of an apparatus to bend the protective wall molding for both an interior and exterior corner applications.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus to bend the protective wall molding for both an interior and exterior corner applications.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus to bend the protective wall molding for both an interior and exterior corner applications.

FIG. 14A is a front view of another embodiment of an apparatus to bend the protective wall molding for both an interior and exterior corner applications; FIG. 14B is a bottom view of another embodiment of an apparatus to bend the protective wall molding for both an interior and exterior corner applications; FIG. 14C is a side view of another embodiment of an apparatus to bend the protective wall molding for both an interior and exterior corner applications.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an element of the apparatus to bend the protective wall molding for both an interior and exterior corner applications.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus to bend the protective wall molding for both an interior and exterior corner applications showing the protective wall molding and the thin long strip of polymeric material installed in the apparatus ready to be bent into the proper configuration; FIG. 16B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus to bend the protective wall molding for both an interior and exterior corner applications showing the protective wall molding and the thin long strip of polymeric material in a bent configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System are comprised of protective wall molding, protective wall molding backing, a wall molding grove apparatus, a wall molding bending apparatus, and an adhesive means.

Embodiments of the wall molding are comprised of a thin long strip of polymeric wall molding material. The wall molding has formed at its base a curved radius. The curved radius gives the wall molding a finished appearance when applied to the wall. Wall molding is commercially available in long sheets or in rolls.

Protective wall molding backing 101 is comprised of thin long of polymeric strips. The protective wall molding backing 101 provides the structural strength and stability not present in the protective wall molding 102. In addition, the protective wall molding backing 101 provides a more suitable surface for the adhesive means to anchor the backing to both the molding and to the wall. The wall molding backing thin long of polymeric strips are designed to be flexible to accommodate any irregularities in the protective wall molding 102 and the wall, but sturdy enough to support the protective wall molding 102.

The wall molding grove apparatus 901 is comprised of a long, flat “U”-shaped structure. See FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 10. One leg 904 of the “U” is shorter than the other, longer leg 904. An opening 904 to access the protective molding is formed by the longer leg of the “U.” This opening is oval in shape an allows for a cutting means to access the protective wall molding when the molding is inserted in the molding grove apparatus. The protective wall molding is inserted in the opening formed between the legs of the “U” 906. A cutting means is used to score the protective wall molding using the guidelines 903.

The molding groove apparatus 901 is used to make straight reproducible score marks in the protective wall molding. The protective wall molding is inserted into the molding groove apparatus. The user then uses a cutting means to score a line across the back surface (the surface not visible when the protective wall molding is applied to the wall) of the protective wall molding. The score line goes approximately ½ of the way through the protective molding, but in no circumstances will the score line go through the protective all molding. A cutting means includes knives, hand-operated saws, electrically operated saws, electrically operated utility saws, electrically operated utility knives, and electrically operated hobby cutting tools.

Embodiments of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System comprise a wall molding bending apparatus 1301 that is comprised of a clamping means 1302, a lower clamping surface 1303, an upper clamping surface 1304, and a bending radius end 1305. After the protective wall molding is scored in the wall molding grove apparatus 901, the protective wall molding is combined with a length of protective wall molding backing 101. The length of protective wall molding backing 101 is determined based on the type of application for the wall molding. A longer piece of protective wall molding backing 101 provides for more adhesive strength on the wall. The protective wall molding backing 101 is affixed to the protective wall molding 102 via an adhesive means. Then the combination of the protective wall molding backing 101 and protective wall molding 102 is placed in the molding bending apparatus 1301. The clamping means 1302 secures the combination of the wall molding 102 and backing 101 in the molding bending apparatus 1301. Then the combination is bent in the direction required for the application: either in the direction of the backing 101 for an interior corner application or away from the backing 101 for an exterior corner application. The bending radius end 1305 can have differing shapes and edge angles to accommodate different bending motions.

In another embodiment of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System, the molding bending apparatus is comprised of a first hinged surface 1101 and a seconded hinged surface 1102. Wherein the first hinged surface 1101 is approximately one foot in length; wherein the second hinged surface 1102 is approximately 4 inches in length; wherein the first 1101 and second hinged surfaces 1102 are connected via a hinge means 1103; a securing surface wherein the securing surface is a hinged surface wherein the hinge is located approximately one-third of the distance from one end of the hinged surface; a fixed surface that is approximately the same length and width as the first hinged surface; wherein the fixed surface is removably affixed to the first hinged surface with protective floor wall molding as described in claim 1 positioned between the first hinged surface and the fixed surface; wherein a clamping means is used to secure the protective floor wall molding between the first hinged surface and the fixed surface; and wherein the first hinged surface and the second hinged surface is rotated around the hinge so that the protective floor wall molding is bent around an axis near the hinge.

In the embodiments of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System an adhesive means any means to first adhere the protective wall molding backing to the protective wall molding, and second to adhere the combination of the protective wall molding backing and the protective wall molding to the wall. This adhesive means includes without limitation glue, liquid adhesive, gel adhesive, solid adhesive, strip adhesive, double-sided tape, strip adhesive with both sides containing adhesive and those adhesive sides protected by a strip of paper covering. In one embodiment of the Protective Wall Molding Fastener System, the adhesive means is liquid glue. In another embodiment, the adhesive means is a thin strip of adhesive backing covered by a paper protective cover so that when the paper protective cover is removed the adhesive backing adheres the base molding to the base surface.

To mount a wall molding on a wall, first the wall molding is scored with a cutting means in a wall molding grove apparatus. An adhesive means is applied to the back of the wall molding, and then a strip of wall molding backing is attached to the wall molding via an adhesive means. The wall molding backing is thin long polymeric material that provides structural support for the wall molding and provides a good adhesive surface for the adhesive means.

To anchor the wall molding to the wall, another application or layer of the adhesive means is applied to the exposed side of the wall molding backing. Then the combination of wall molding and wall molding backing is attached to the wall wherein the adhesive means adheres the combination of wall molding to a base surface on the wall. Then the base molding is scored with a cutting means in a molding groove apparatus. Then the adhesive means is applied to the scored wall molding. Then the combination of the adhesive means and the wall molding is bent into a straight and uniform bend with a molding bending apparatus.

In embodiments of the protective floor wall molding the thin long strip of polymeric material is formed from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS). In another embodiment of the protective floor wall molding the thin long strip of polymeric material can be bent to form an inside or outside corner.

The method of applying a protective wall molding is comprised the first step of marking the wall base for position of corner; the next step of placing a molding groove apparatus on the wall base and grooving wall base; the next step of placing applying the adhesive means to the protective wall molding corner; the next step of applying the protective wall molding corner with the adhesive means to the wall base; the next step of applying the tool and letting the adhesive means dry for approximately ten (10) seconds; the next step of releasing the tool and move in line with the line on the protective wall molding corner; the next step of applying heat to line on Base Backer corner for five (5) seconds then bend to form a 90 degree angle, and the final step of removing the tool. 

What I claimed is:
 1. A protective wall molding fastener system comprised of a. protective wall molding, b. protective wall molding backing, c. a wall molding grove apparatus, d. a wall molding bending apparatus, and e. an adhesive means.
 2. The protective wall molding fastener system as described in claim 1 wherein the protective wall molding backing is comprised of thin long of polymeric strips.
 3. A protective floor wall molding comprising: a. a thin long strip of polymeric material; the thin long strip of polymeric material has formed at its base a curved radius; b. an adhesive means applied to the back of the thin long strip of polymeric material i. wherein the adhesive means adhesively adheres the combination of adhesive means and the thin long strip of polymeric material to a wall base surface; and ii. wherein the thin long strip of wall base molding is scored with a cutting means the combination of combination of adhesive backing and the thin long strip of polymeric material when bent forms a straight and uniform bend.
 4. The protective floor wall molding described in claim 1 wherein the combination of adhesive backing and the thin long strip of polymeric material can be bent to form an inside or outside corner.
 5. The protective floor wall molding described in claim 2 wherein the thin long strip of polymeric material is formed from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS).
 6. A protective wall molding jig comprising a. a first hinged surface; b. a second hinged surface; i. wherein the first hinged surface is approximately one foot in length; ii. wherein the second hinged surface is approximately 4 inches in length; iii. wherein the first and second hinged surfaces are connected via a hinge means; c. a securing surface wherein the securing surface is d. a hinged surface wherein the hinge is located approximately one-third of the distance from one end of the hinged surface; e. a fixed surface that is approximately the same length and width as the first hinged surface; i. wherein the fixed surface is removably affixed to the first hinged surface with protective floor wall molding as described in claim 1 positioned between the first hinged surface and the fixed surface; ii. wherein a clamping means is used to secure the protective floor wall molding between the first hinged surface and the fixed surface; and iii. wherein the first hinged surface and the second hinged surface is rotated around the hinge so that the protective floor wall molding is bent around an axis near the hinge.
 7. A protective wall molding jig comprising: a. a first secured surface; b. a second secured surface; c. wherein the first secured surface is approximately one foot in length; d. a second secured surface that is approximately the same length and width as the first secured surface; i. wherein the first secured surface is removably affixed to the second secured surface with the protective floor wall molding as described in claim 1 positioned between the first secured surface and the second secured surface; ii. wherein a clamping means is used to secure the protective floor wall molding between the first secure surface and the second secured surface; and iii. wherein the first secured surface and the second secured surface is rotated so that the protective floor wall molding is bent around an axis near the edge.
 8. The method of applying a protective wall molding comprising: a. securing the protective molding in a corner jig; b. scoring the protective molding with a cutting means; c. folding the protective molding by bending the jig to form either an inside corner or an outside corner. d. the first step of marking the wall base for position of corner; e. the next step of placing a groove tool on the wall base and grooveing wall base; f. the next step of placing applying the adhesive means to the protective wall molding corner; g. the next step of applying the protective wall molding corner with the adhesive means to the wall base; h. the next step of applying the tool and letting the adhesive means dry for approximately ten (10) seconds; i. the next step of releasing the tool and move in line with the line on the protective wall molding corner; j. the next step of applying heat to line on Base Backer corner for five (5) seconds then bend to form a 90 degree angle. k. the final step of removing the tool. 